Monday, December 29, 2008

Top 10 Holiday Eating Tips That Will Help You Burn Calories

By Dorthy Weatherbush

Much like the Christmas tree and the jingle bells, holiday parties are as much a part of this time of year as Santa Claus and reindeer. Although many people use this as an excuse to over indulge themselves, it doesn't have to be that way for you. Get ready, because you're about to discover the 10 best ways to eat during this holiday and actually loose weight.

10) The simplest thing that you can do this holiday season to curb your overeating is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water daily and especially before that holiday get together. You will feel fuller faster and be less likely to overindulge.

9) Snack at home first, and then attend the holiday party. Listen, its okay to eat a piece of pie. My thought is this however, why not do an even trade. If you know you have a weakness for pie and you'll be attending an event where pie will be served, how about eating a healthy snack before you go.

8) Eat smaller portions. Rather than going through the buffet line with a normal plate, why not take a moment and grab one of the smaller cake plates. The reduction in plate size will limit how much you can pile on and will still allow you to enjoy without feeling bloated and heavy.

7) Never miss a meal. I realize this may sound strange but it is so true. Many people think they are doing themselves a favor by skipping lunch or breakfast because they feel they are saving room for the big dinner party that night. This is so far from the truth it is not even funny. Keep your daily routine and consider a doggie bag if you are too full by party time.

6) Try something new for the holidays. Instead of making tons of pies and candies, look up some healthy alternatives. Choose a healthy exotic treat of fresh fruits instead.

5) Add more physical activity to your holiday routine. Parties and dinners are fun events during this time of the year but when you can add some ice-skating, sledding, or a walk with friends to the mix.

4) Keep up the good work. If you are like most people, you will use the free time you have during this time of year to rest and cut back when in reality that is the worst thing you could do. Don't be guilty of abandoning your workout routine for a life of leisure.

3) Take a strategy to dinner with you and not just an appetite. It is not too reasonable to believe that you can attend these holiday gatherings and not eat anything you like. With that in mind, why not develop a strategy beforehand of exactly what you will eat and how much of it you'll eat. As an example, if fruit cake is your adversary, why not have a piece but turn down the pumpkin pie.

2) Burn fat by building muscle. The quickest way to destroy fat is by building muscle yet many of us refuse to do any "heavy lifting" during this time of year. Sure you could opt for some over priced personal trainer but why not just give that holiday turkey a lift.

1) Take time for you to relax and meditate. This is the time that depression is at a high. Depression can lead to overeating and then more depression. Beat the blues this year by relaxing and not letting worry and frustration overtake you.

Well, now you know how to maintain your weight even while attending holiday parties. Maybe you won't do all of these tips but how much better would you feel about yourself if you could do just 3 or 4 of the ten? - 16928

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